Around Knox

In order to expand eligibility for the Veter-ans Choice Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that it will change the calculation used to determine the distance between a veteran’s residence and the nearest VA medical facility from a straight line distance to driving distance. The policy change will be made through regulatory action in the coming weeks. The Veterans Choice Program was authorized by the Veterans Access, Choice, and Account-ability Act of 2014.

Katherine Hammack opened the Association of the U.S. Army’s “Hot Topics” forum on installation management, March 10, by telling the packed house about what she had recently testified before the House Appropriations Committee.

For more than six months, children from Mrs. Karen Gonterman’s class wrote to their pen pals located half way around the globe. On March 20, the children had an opportunity to meet their pen pals face to face.

By CAPT. JO SMOKE
Fort Knox PAO
The Army adage “if it ain’t raining, we ain’t training” rang true for Fort Knox military leaders last week. With umbrellas at the ready, more than 45 Soldiers from five major installation commands donned their rain jackets Friday to travel 75 miles to Kentucky’s historic Perryville battlefield, which is named from a the Civil War skirmish in October 1862 at a time when the region was suffering from severe drought and scorching temperatures.

By JULIE MITCHELL
AAFES
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is encouraging shoppers worldwide to “hop to it” and take a crack at $3,000 in prizes.
With the Patriot Family Easter Egg Hunt contest, shoppers can search for clues at their local Exchange and post the correct answers on the Exchange’s Facebook page contest tab at www.facebook.com/AAFES.BX.PX. Shoppers can pick up a clue map at their local Exchange or download one from www.shopmyexchange.com/patriot-family.

By JULIE MITCHELL
AAFES
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service knows that for Soldiers and Airmen, there truly is no place like home. With this in the mind, the Exchange is offering one lucky winner a home makeover valued at $18,000.
The $18,000 Home Makeover giveaway is part of the Exchange’s “Because of You” program, a yearlong effort to recognize and reward service members for their sacrifice and dedication to our country.
One grand-prize winner will receive:

By JOHN WRIGHT
Hardin County Schools Community Relations Specialist
The VEX Robotics programs throughout the Hardin County Schools district continue to excel.
Two Central Hardin High School teams have qualified for the VEX Robotics World Competition in Louisville, Kentucky, April 15-18. The teams qualified one week before the Kentucky State Competition by ranking in the top 30 world skill score rankings.